Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber and Vincent Magwenya the presidential spokesperson
By Thabo Mosia
South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, announced a “visa-free access” agreement with Ukraine for holders of diplomatic, official, and service passports. However, this announcement was swiftly challenged by Vincent Magwenya, the presidential spokesperson, who clarified that President Cyril Ramaphosa had not yet signed the minute authorising this agreement.
Minister Schreiber, representing the Democratic Alliance, expressed that this arrangement underscores Ukraine’s status as a “valued ally” of South Africa, a country that supported the anti-apartheid struggle. He highlighted the mutual benefit of this agreement as a step forward for diplomatic relations, while looking forward to President Ramaphosa’s formal approval in the coming week.
Magwenya, however, issued a statement on social media underscoring that legal processes are required before such an international agreement is formalised. According to him, “The President is yet to sign the minute authorising the Minister to sign the agreement with Ukraine,” referring to Section 231 of South Africa’s Constitution. This section mandates that presidential authorisation is essential for the finalisation of any binding international agreements.
The discord between Schreiber’s announcement and Magwenya’s clarification has sparked discussions on governmental coherence, particularly regarding diplomatic relations. Some analysts view this incident as reflective of cracks within the government’s unity, with members from opposing political backgrounds appearing to operate with conflicting approaches.
Magwenya’s statement also pointed out that negotiations for the visa waiver had begun in 2020. This historical context underscores the significance of diplomatic processes and adds further weight to the constitutional requirement for presidential sign-off before public declarations of international agreements are made.
Schreiber’s statement praised Ukraine as a “valued friend” while Magwenya’s remarks have drawn attention to the government’s procedural integrity and reinforced that the final decision rests with the President.
Meanwhile, On 28 Oct 2024, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola, will welcome Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Andrii Sybiha, for political talks in Pretoria. The visit aims to bolster bilateral relations between the two nations.
(This article will be updated as further information emerges regarding President Ramaphosa’s decision and the potential implications for South Africa-Ukraine relations.)
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